How to Report Nursing Home Abuse
Families trust nursing homes to provide care to older relatives. However, in far too many cases, nursing home residents suffer horrific abuse or inexcusable neglect — leading to long-term consequences.
Your loved one didn’t deserve to suffer. Fortunately, you have ways of taking the power back by reporting nursing home abuse. Through different reporting options, you can get your loved one the care they need and hold the facility accountable.
In the event of an emergency or immediate life-threatening harm, always dial 911.
Other key nursing home abuse reporting options include:
- Adult protective services (APS): Each state has its own APS branch that works to protect older adults from abuse and exploitation.
- Long-term care ombudsmen: These are trained mediators who help resolve disputes about nursing home care and can serve as powerful advocates if your loved one was hurt.
- Medical professionals: Trusted doctors and nurses can help assess if injuries or illnesses could stem from nursing home mistreatment.
- Nursing home lawyers: These attorneys can help file nursing home abuse lawsuits so you can get compensation for what happened.
You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. Gather any evidence that you can and reach out to start protecting your loved one’s needs. In many situations, reporting nursing home abuse is anonymous, giving you more peace of mind.
At Her Case Matters, we can help you learn more about reporting nursing home abuse and connect you with experienced attorneys if you’re considering a legal claim.
Get a free case review now to explore your options.
Where to Report Nursing Home Abuse
There are several ways to report nursing home abuse depending on the circumstances and severity of the situation. Local, state, and national reporting options are all available to help keep residents safe.
In some situations, families may choose to contact multiple organizations to ensure concerns are properly investigated.
Learn about common ways for reporting nursing home abuse to decide which may be the best in your situation.
Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Long-term care ombudsmen are often the first people that families speak with when there are concerns about potential abuse or neglect.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) operates in every state, advocating for nursing home residents and protecting their rights. Ombudsmen serve as mediators for residents and staff.
If you report concerns to an ombudsman, they may:
- Educate your family about the residents’ rights
- Help resolve disputes with facility administrators
- Investigate complaints involving care quality
- Listen to your concerns and answer questions
Many families find that an ombudsman can provide valuable guidance when they are unsure how to address concerns with a facility. Find a long-term care ombudsman in your state now through the LTCOP site.
Report Abuse to Adult Protective Services
APS investigates reports involving vulnerable adults who may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) recommends reaching out to APS if you’re worried about an older person you love, but they aren’t in life-threatening danger.
After a report is filed, APS may investigate the allegations and coordinate services to help protect your loved one.
Here’s how to report nursing home abuse to the state APS:
- Contact your local APS office
- Visit your state APS website
- Call an APS hotline
When making a report, try to provide as much information as possible, including the resident’s name, the facility’s name, details about the suspected abuse, and any evidence you have collected.
Each state allows you to file anonymous APS reports, helping to ease concerns about potential retaliation from perpetrators.
Find contact information for your state’s APS branch through the National Adult Protective Service Association (NAPSA) website.
Call Law Enforcement in Emergencies
Promptly call 911 in the event of a medical emergency, such as a severe injury or health complication. Doing so is crucial to getting a nursing home resident you love the medical care that they deserve.
Emergency situations may include:
- Serious physical abuse
- Severe malnutrition or dehydration
- Sexual assault
- Stage 4 bedsores
- Threats of violence
- Other untreated injuries or illnesses
Beyond medical emergencies, law enforcement can conduct criminal investigations involving nursing home mistreatment or neglect. Doing so can help hold abusive or neglectful nursing home staff accountable for what happened.
In 2025, two Texas nursing home staff members were arrested after physically assaulting and dragging an 87-year-old resident across the floor. The resident had complained to loved ones that he was being abused, and they installed a security camera that caught the attack.
Use a Nursing Home Hotline
Nursing home abuse can lead to serious harm if it’s not addressed promptly. Outside of calling 911, nursing home abuse hotlines can be a great way to get resources and keep your loved one safe.
National elder abuse and nursing home hotlines include:
- Eldercare Locator helpline: Call 1-800-677-1116 for adult care resources
- NCEA helpline: Call 1-855-500-3537 for information on elder abuse and how to get support
- National Elder Fraud hotline: Call 1-833-372-8311 to report financial abuse or exploitation
Additionally, every state APS branch operates nursing home complaint hotlines that allow residents, family members, and caregivers to report concerns directly.
Seek Medical Attention
If you suspect abuse of an older adult has occurred, seeking out the opinion of a doctor may be essential. Nursing homes are supposed to provide care for your loved one, not make things worse.
Speaking with a trusted doctor can help determine if preventable neglect, physical assault, or even sexual abuse led to your family member’s condition.
Medical professionals can:
- Document physical injuries or untreated illnesses
- Provide medical records that may support legal investigations
- Recommend medical treatment
In cases of nursing home neglect — such as worsening bedsores, dehydration, or malnutrition — seeing a doctor promptly is key to getting care and limiting the harm that your loved one faces.
Connect With Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
Nursing home abuse lawyers may be able to hold long-term care facilities accountable through the civil legal system. They can help you to recover financial compensation to cover relocation costs, medical bills, and other expenses.
State agencies can receive your report and look into your concerns, but their investigations may not result in compensation.
Top nursing home abuse attorneys:
- Build legal claims on your behalf
- File the claim within set state deadlines
- Negotiate financial settlements
- Represent you in court, if needed
“In some cases, especially when serious harm has occurred, it may be better to speak with a nursing home abuse or neglect lawyer first. We can help guide you on how to protect your loved one, preserve evidence, and take the right legal steps without giving the facility a chance to cover up what happened.”
– Ricky LeBlanc, nursing home abuse attorney
The best nursing home abuse attorneys handle the legal work for you, allowing you to focus on helping your loved one heal while still pursuing justice. Her Case Matters has partner nursing home abuse lawyers who may be able to assist you and your family.
Get a free case review right now to learn more.
Reasons to Report Suspected Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home residents deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. They and their families expect high-quality care when moving to a nursing home.
When abuse and neglect occur, it means that staff members have failed to meet the needs of residents. Filing a report is key to righting the wrongs that have happened.
Reporting suspected nursing home abuse may:
- Connect you with support and resources
- Help protect your loved one from further harm
- Hold facilities accountable for neglect or mistreatment
- Protect other residents who may also be at risk
- Trigger an investigation into unsafe conditions
Even if you are unsure that something’s gone wrong, reporting nursing home abuse is still a good idea to keep your loved one safe, happy, and healthy.
Nursing Home Abuse Reporting Requirements
Almost all states have mandated reporting laws, meaning that adults in specific professions have a legal duty to file a report if an older person could be suffering from abuse. 15 states require any adult who suspects elder abuse to report it, per NAPSA.
You may need to consider reporting nursing home abuse if you notice:
- Emotional signs: Anxiety, depression, fearfulness, withdrawal, or sudden behavioral changes.
- Financial signs: Missing money, unusual account activity, or suspected financial exploitation.
- Physical signs: Unexplained bruises, bedsores, dehydration, broken bones, or other injuries.
- Signs of neglect: Poor hygiene, malnutrition, untreated medical needs, or unsafe living conditions.
- Signs of sexual abuse: Unexplained injuries, infections, or fear of specific caregivers.
Nursing home residents may be unwilling to speak up about abuse or neglect due to the fear of retaliation from staff. In other cases, they may have a physical or mental impairment that prevents them from reporting abuse on their own.
As such, you might need to step in on your loved one’s behalf if you notice any of the warning signs above.
People often worry about retaliation if they report abuse. The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 gives nursing home residents a bill of rights that includes the ability to report care violations without fear of retaliation. If staff members break that right, you may be eligible to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit.
What Evidence Is Needed for Reporting Nursing Home Abuse?
You don’t necessarily need to have concrete evidence that something is wrong. Just speaking up about potential mistreatment could go a long way to protecting someone you love.
With that said, gather any evidence you can. This can help to strengthen your case and potentially allow a nursing home abuse report to be processed faster.
You can consider preserving evidence by:
- Keeping copies of medical records
- Maintaining a written timeline of events
- Recording dates and details of concerning incidents
- Saving emails or written communications
- Taking photographs of injuries or unsafe conditions
Documenting your concerns and reporting them promptly may help protect your loved one’s safety and well-being.
“You don’t need to have all the answers to take action. A lawyer for nursing home neglect can listen to your concerns and help determine if your loved one’s rights may have been violated. It’s our job to ask the hard questions and protect residents who can’t speak up for themselves.”
– Ricky LeBlanc, nursing home abuse attorney
What Happens After You Report Nursing Home Abuse?
After reporting nursing home abuse, the appropriate agency will typically review your claims and determine whether an investigation is needed.
This process may include:
- Assessment of resident safety
- Corrective actions if violations are identified
- Inspections of the facility
- Interviews with residents, family members, and staff
- Reviews of medical records and facility documentation
If it is confirmed that your loved one has suffered nursing home abuse or neglect, what happens next can vary depending on the nature of the allegations and agency involved.
For instance, if a nursing home abuse resident you love has been the victim of a serious crime, then alleged perpetrators may face charges. Your loved one may also need to relocate from the facility to receive medical treatment or to simply stay safe in light of what’s happened.
Get Help Reporting Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes
If you suspect a loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it’s important to remember that you do not have to navigate these concerns by yourself.
At Her Case Matters, we believe every older adult deserves dignity, safety, and compassionate care. Coming forward and reporting nursing home abuse takes an incredible amount of bravery. We’re ready to walk with you and assist in any way we can.
We may be able to help you and your family by:
- Listening to what happened in your situation
- Recommending resources to help you start healing
- Connecting you with legal professionals to pursue justice
Call (877) 640-6101 or get a free case review now to find out more about how our compassionate team can assist you.
Reporting Nursing Home Abuse FAQs
How do you report abuse in a nursing home?
You can report nursing home abuse in a number of different ways. Many families start by speaking with a long-term care ombudsman, who works to mediate disputes regarding care at facilities.
Report more serious or concerning issues to your state’s Adult Protective Services (APS) branch or local law enforcement.
If you’re worried about your loved one’s quality of life or safety, don’t wait to file a report. Reporting concerns, even anonymously, as soon as they come up is critical to protecting a resident you love. Always dial 911 in the event of an emergency.
What are reportable incidents in nursing homes?
Reportable nursing home incidents involve serious situations that put the well-being of residents at risk, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
These incidents include, but are not limited to:
- Abuse
- Facility fires
- Neglect
- Resident elopement
- Unusual deaths
Staff must report these incidents promptly to state agencies or law enforcement, often within 24 hours.
However, in far too many cases, staff members may cover up cases of abuse or neglect. In these situations, it may fall to a resident and their family to report abuse and ensure something is done.
What are the red flags of nursing home abuse?
Potential red flags of nursing home abuse include:
- Changes to bank accounts
- Death under a suspicious circumstance
- Money or valuables missing from a resident’s room
- New or unexplained physical injuries
- Strange changes in your loved one’s mood or behavior
- Unexplainable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Untreated or worsening medical conditions like bedsores
If you notice any of these possible signs, don’t wait. Reporting nursing home abuse is an essential first step to protecting your loved one.
Get a free case review to connect with our legal partners and learn if you can file lawsuits to hold nursing homes accountable for abuse or neglect.
How many days does a nursing home have to report abuse?
Nursing homes that receive federal funding have a mandatory 2-hour window to file electronic reports for abuse that leads to bodily harm, according to the Federal Code of Regulations. They have 24 hours to report incidents that did not lead to lasting injuries.
In the event that a nursing staff member does not file a report, they could be found in violation and face penalties.
How to anonymously report a nursing home online?
Check agency websites specific to your state to find out if you can report abuse anonymously online. In many states, you can submit a report through the APS website, which will be kept confidential.
If you are concerned about anonymity, always review state and agency guidelines before moving forward.
Is there a number to report nursing home abuse?
Yes, there are many numbers and hotlines you can call for reporting nursing home abuse and neglect.
Just a few nursing home abuse hotlines include:
- 1-800-677-1116 for the Eldercare Locator helpline
- 1-833-372-8311 for the National Elder Fraud hotline
- 911 in the event of an immediate, life-threatening emergency
You can also go online to find various phone numbers for state and local ombudsman and APS agencies, which can provide more specific assistance.
Finally, call (877) 640-6101 to find out if you’re eligible to work with nursing home attorneys after abuse or neglect has taken place. We’ll assess your situation and connect you with experienced lawyers if you qualify.
Who do you report abuse to in a nursing home?
You can potentially report nursing home abuse to upper management or on-staff registered nurses, who can take a closer look at your specific situation. Some facilities may have a facility abuse coordinator who will investigate your concerns.
You may also want to consider getting a long-term care ombudsman involved, since they’re trained to mediate disputes and advocate for residents’ rights.
Written by: Her Case Matters
At HerCaseMatters, we believe women deserve to be heard — especially when it comes to their health and safety. Too often, harmful drugs, devices, and corporate wrongdoing impact women’s lives without proper warning, support, or accountability. We’re here to change that. We work with trusted legal partners who are deeply experienced in holding powerful companies accountable. But more than that, we’re here to remind women everywhere that their pain is real, their experiences matter, and they deserve justice.
- Administration for Community Living. (n.d.). Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Retrieved from https://acl.gov/programs/Protecting-Rights-and-Preventing-Abuse/Long-term-Care-Ombudsman-Program.
- Administration for Community Living. (n.d.). National Ombudsman Resource Center. Retrieved from https://theconsumervoice.org/get_help.
- Code of Federal Regulations. (n.d.). PART 483—REQUIREMENTS FOR STATES AND LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES. Retrieved from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-G/part-483.
- KSAT. (2022, October 10). Texas nursing home employees accused of dragging, assaulting 87-year-old resident. Retrieved from https://www.ksat.com/news/texas/2022/10/10/texas-nursing-home-employees-accused-of-dragging-assaulting-87-year-old-resident/.
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- National Center on Elder Abuse. (n.d.). Identify Abuse. Retrieved from https://ncea.usc.edu/identify-abuse/.
- National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Elder Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/elder-abuse.
- Texas Health and Human Services. (November 2024). Reporting and Response: Incidents of Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reporting-response-ane.pdf.
- U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Elder Justice Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
- U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Find Help or Report Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/find-help-or-report-abuse.
